shanty

More along these lines, but I was told once that my bc requires 3 solid hours of exercise every day and that his over excitement was due to lack of exercise. It was implied that an aggressive behavior stemmed from lack of proper exercise even though the bad event happened while he was staying with the dog walker who was walking him for that long every day. This was from a behaviorist who owned border collies. In fact, our dog's 'over excitement' was actually anxiety that was not controlled while in the care of the dog walker/border. We have several short, intense play sessions and a one hour walk most days and he's as calm and controlled as you'd like. I was likewise told he was pushy, bossy and dominant according to their analysis (which I didn't ask for) - qualities that we have resolved with confidence training, not more exercise. This is the same behaviorist who recommend AGAINST agility sports as they "accentuate the focus" and make the dogs neurotic Do all people make these assumptions about bc's? Or do 'professionals' have a hard time recognizing bc behavior for what it really is? I'm thankful I found this board as it lead me to a more accurate assesment and a much, much happier, content dog! BTW: as for his color, I tell people Truman is a sable and that it is a real bc color. Most people here find that interesting and while he's likely a mix of something else I don't bother to say it as he's built just like the traditionally marked bc's in our area. When we adopted him he was labelled bc/spaniel or sheltie/spaniel cross. What do you think? [

Something about her said 'Skye' to me too.

I love the names Wick and Jinx, but what about Revanta? It's Sanskrit for 'breaker of speed' and could be shortened to 'Rev' or 'Revvy'. I also like 'Star','Flash', 'Fleet' or 'Grace' and for different names what about 'Winter' or 'Fortune'?

I appreciate the feedback - both the breed suggestions as well as the reality checks. As I mentioned, I've both been a cat owner in the past as well as understand that to add another pet to the family (feline or canine) is a commitment. My main reason for thinking about a cat rather than a dog is that I wouldn't have to worry about the impact on neighbors (ie: getting a barker) as well as looking for a potentially easier to handle companion (less behavior issues like jumping up on people, licking or aggression to other animals). I expect that another dog would have a lot of it's own issues to deal with, I rather hoped a cat would be less difficult to bring in, but I may be wrong about that, so we'll just wait and see. My Panda was such a sweet heart that I would have liked another 'him' without a doubt! My kids are in elementary school and are absolutely not an issue with dogs or cats. More effort would be needed to ensure the safety of the cat as the dog learned to respect it and that was my main concern and reason for asking for advice. Perhaps if I'd taken a different approach or chosen a different breed/age/temperment I'd have had different results. Much obliged to all who took the time to answer my questions!

Again - thanks for the helpful advice. I did attempt to control the interactions when we first brought the puppy home. I researched what I could before we brought Truman home. I would allow the cat on my lap or on the couch and keep the dog off to enforce some sort of respect for the cat. I would try to lure Panda out in the mornings to sit with me while the pup stayed on the floor. I also tried petting both of them at the same time to encourage relaxation near each other. We were trying to train Truman to lay down when the cat was around and basically got to the point where he would stay laying down (at least, not pulling if we were holding his collar) while the cat tentatively came out. However, when the cat got nervous and ran away the pup would bark, or, once released, tear off down the hall barking - even if we made him wait a while before releasing. I think this made Panda more and more sure that he would be chased which is why I removed the collar as I thought he'd feel more confident if he could run without little bells going off! A few times he actually allowed Truman to sniff him, the problem was his running away. If he'd had the confidence to stay in place - even with a hiss - Truman could have learned, just as he did in the future with our friend's cats and even my sister's snooty little dog! I don't know much about combining species. I did what I knew and it didn't work. I would love to try again because I am not in a position to get another dog. But honestly, if there's no good way to predict how it will go I probably shouldn't bring more chaos into the home. We already have two girls and a dog - it's probably just hormones making me want more trouble ETA: I should add that I wasn't suggesting a cat is "less of a commitment" as a life, just less training - less walking - less day-to-day care. I find them more self-reliant and self-sufficent than dogs, that's all.

Thanks to everyone for the feedback Thanks for the reminder. Of course, I would only get a cat because I do like cats as well as dogs. I grew up with cats because my parents weren't 'dog people' and got my cat, Panda, when we lived with them and couldn't get a dog. He was a GREAT cat and is sadly missed. He was the kind of cat that actually greeted visitors at the front door and came when called. We had recently moved and gotten the pup and although Panda had recall (I'd call him and hear him climbing through the trees to come through the window in our last place, or see him come through the fields in our new place) AND I had a baby gate up so Panda had exclusive use of the bedrooms and was the only one allowed to sleep with us (no dogs on the bed is still the rule), I guess he just didn't like the new situation (or, of course, worse). I had a collar on him but the jingle of the tags seemed to entice the pup, so after Panda had already stayed out two seperate nights, I removed his collar to help him not be so afraid. That day he strode straight out the door with his head held high and never returned. We put up posters, advertised on CL and enlisted the school kids for help - no luck. I do value cats and don't want to start a debate, but when a cat wants to be outside I cannot stand up to it's demands. If I had one that was happy to stay inside that would suit me fine, but Panda was not ok with that and I couldn't make him. The first 2 weeks after we moved I kept him inside to prevent him from getting lost and he cried all the time. When he was a kitten we kept him in for the first 9 months with several escapes - he'd hide by the door and bolt when it opened, but he'd come back and cry to get in so he wasn't leaving to LEAVE. I really thought he would accept a pup in time because of his outgoing, playful disposition. And honestly I think he would have. My biggest mistake was thinking the puppy would be younger and the cat would have time to lay down the law, but unfortunately Truman was closer to 13 weeks when he arrived and much bigger and more boistrous than we anticipated. The cat never got the nerve to lay down the law. He'd cry at the door when he returned and the pup would bark and Panda would hide or run away for awhile. I was trying to teach him to come to the bedroom window where he didn't have to worry about the dog, I just didn't convince him in time. Hope that clarifies my situation - and of course, I DO prefer walks vs. litter boxes, but my DH has absolutely forbade another dog. The fact that he loves this one is a big accomplishment as he was raised with dogs as outside only animals, not indoor pets. ETA: We had Panda both neutered AND tattooed. Unfortunately the tattoo did not bring him back to us

In an effort to quench my desire for another dog I am wondering about getting a cat (less time consuming commitment We had one when we first got our puppy but he decided not to stick around. If we consider getting another would you recommend an adult, already good with dogs, or a kitten that can learn? If getting a kitten, should we look for specific signs that it will interact well with our dog? Our dog does not live with a cat, but has been exposed to them and taught not to chase in the house, as well as to greet by laying down first, but will still bark at a running cat outside. I've shown him kittens at the vet and they claw at his face and he happily lets them, so I think he's a good candidate, I just want it to go smoothly - awaiting my DH approval The other thing is that I'd like the cat to be a companion for when he's alone, so preferably an out-going, playful cat. What are your good, or bad, experiences and what would you recommend or warn against?

I don't know if this is helpful, but Truman has all black nails and I cut his nails with him laying on his back so I can see the quick from underneath. A friend used a Dremel I think - if that's the rotating, filing-type - and he didn't like the sensation or the noise, but he will put up with it from her. She also recommended the sissor style clippers rather than the squeeze style if that makes sense. And she said to cut them straight up and down, not fllush to the floor as I had heard. She said if I cut more frequently, and close to the quick, the quick will recede.

Very cute picture! Truman does this a lot too. I see it as a request for attention or permission to get on the couch or bed. I usually give in, but when he starts head bumping my elbow when I'm on the computer or eating I tell him to stop and leave me alone. I think it's a sweet thing - a polite communication. Strangely, when he puts his head on the couch or bed and looks AWAY rather than at me, it seems to be a way of saying "poor me, I'm so bored" and a request that I get up and play or take him outside since when I invite him up those times he's reluctant and heaves a huge sigh of disappointment .

Thanks for your feedback on the article. I find it an interesting technique myself, but like to see what other, more experinced, owners think. I agree that 'out' is critical and that growling is not always a problem. In fact, in time I did allow growling in play, but it's not recommended when you're first starting out and building trust with this game. I was using it to help my dog who had come home from a traumatic boarding experience - he was anxious and lost his confidence. He had bitten another dog and a handler during his stay and was labled food aggressive, a bully and resource guarding. For us, along with the 'pushing' exercise this technique worked. Within six months of using it he has become even more even tempered than before the incident. I still watch his body language, but I'm more fluent now and know what will calm him and what will backfire with him (ie: scolding or harsh corrections). If I'd had more experience to begin with I would have introduced tug, allowed normal growling etc. as a part of his life - as you recommend, but since he'd developed problems this 'game' became a rehabiliataion tool rather than just play time. On the same topic, I've started to notice similar behaviour in dogs that we meet on our walks. Yesterday while walking we met a couple with a dog I swear was a bc, but they said was a GSD/lab, and let Truman play with her. The dogs briefly took off to investigate a small pond and instead of letting them have fun the owner's called her back. When she delayed they put her back on leash for the remainder. Not that I'm saying they shouldn't have, but I could see they were more focused on obedience rather than socialization and whereas she'd been very nervous meeting Truman on leash, she was having an absolute BLAST with him off leash. As soon as she was on leash she was hunched up and looking over her shoulder. I WISH sometimes that people would see how their dog is developing anxiety because they're not giving them the chance to be a dog, they're more focused on obedience. At least, that's my take. I've seen so many on leash dogs being told they're "idiots" etc. because they're embarrassing the owners by lunging and then when they're off leash they're fine. The anxiety and aggression seems tied up with the handler's control and maybe if the handler's can learn some confidence in their dog they'll stop sending 'guarding' signals just as I had done. That's my personal take on what I've recently seen - not training advice

echocia - you are probably right that she is reacting appropriately to the other dogs lack of social manners, however, FWIW, we realized that those are exactly the type of dogs who seem to thrive in dog parks - over zealous, over friendly and with NO personal space issues. We realized that Truman was indeed 'too proper' for such dogs and was just making that clear, however, continually putting him in that situation was a stress to him and did make him more anxious. He does REALLY, REALLY well meeting dogs off leash on our walks now and by staying in tune with his body language and being more relaxed ourselves with 'normal' doggy behavior (including the occassional growl from him or others) we can handle most any encounter. But I'd still say putting him in our local dog park environment was not good for him - if only because the types of dogs there were constantly breaking his personal etiquette rules I hope you find a solution that makes you and her happy in the long run. I also found the pressure of "what other people think" to be bad for us, so we just don't meet with that group at the dog park anymore. I think it was partly my anxiety about offending others that led to his anxiety problems in the first place. You have a gorgeous puppy and you're obviously putting a lot into her upbringing. We wish you the best.

I've felt the same way, but also know we do NOT have room for another dog! Fortunately we have a neighbour with a Jack Russel pup that Truman loves to death! We just came from a romp on the dykes in the pouring rain and they loved it. Now Truman has a quiet house and can just cuddle with me now that she's gone home. Best of both worlds!

Thanks, I may look into that. I usually just fold the leash and hold the folded part while holding the handlebars so IF he pulled I could quickly let go (no straps attached to me or the bike). Fortunately he caught on quick - I even allowed him to get in the way of the wheel once (carefully of course) so he'd know not to run in front of it! Now he's a natural and I even let him pull me up hill

I think you've probably figured out the cause of her behavior. I'd agree that the experiences she's had have had a major influence on her current behavior. Can you try keeping her interactions positive and controlled for now, and build slowly as she adjusts? Perhaps starting with on leash greetings and moving to walking with other dogs and eventually playing with them. My dog got very nervous and protective due to some bad decisions on my part (including too much socialization time at the dog park . Over time, with the right dogs in the right environments he's really improved. I'm sure you'll get some other opinions. Hope something works for you!

I'm a lousy runner but I do bike with Truman and if he tried to stop and sniff he would cause a major accident as he's on leash! I imagine once you've corrected the behavior for a time - and as mentioned, permit 'doggy' time before and after the run - he'll begin to gain more focus on running with you and stop getting side tracked so often. Have fun - it's a great way to bond as well as exercise!